Selling a car to a wrecker in Western Australia is usually straightforward, but having the right information and paperwork ready can make the process easier and help avoid delays.
If you are selling an old, damaged, unregistered, accident-damaged or unwanted vehicle to a wrecker, you may not need a large collection of documents. The exact requirements depend on the vehicle’s registration status and how the vehicle licence transfer is completed.
Here is what you should have ready when selling a vehicle to a wrecker in WA.
What documents do you need to sell a car to a wrecker?
For most vehicle sales, it is useful to have:
- Current vehicle licence or registration details, if the vehicle is licensed
- Vehicle details such as the registration plate number and VIN
- Information showing that you are entitled to sell or dispose of the vehicle
- Any relevant transfer paperwork
- Identification if it is required for the particular transaction
- Finance or encumbrance information, if applicable
- Service records, keys and other vehicle documents if you still have them
Not every item above is mandatory for every sale. Some documents and information simply make it easier to identify the vehicle and complete the transaction.
If you are looking for a simple way to sell an unwanted vehicle, you can also learn more about our cash for cars service.
1. Have your vehicle registration details ready
If your vehicle is currently licensed in Western Australia, keep the vehicle licence details available.
The registration information helps identify the vehicle and is important when the vehicle licence needs to be transferred or the sale needs to be notified to the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI).
For a WA-licensed vehicle, the seller must notify DTMI within 7 days that they have sold or disposed of the vehicle and provide the new owner’s name and address. Eligible transfers can be completed online through DoTDirect.
When using DoTDirect, the seller needs information such as the sale details, vehicle plate number and buyer’s name and address.
2. Do you need an MR9 form?
Not always.
The MR9 Notification of Change of Ownership – Vehicle Licence Transfer form is used when a vehicle licence transfer cannot be completed through the online process.
Some transfers cannot be completed online. Transport WA lists circumstances including:
- Vehicles involved in a court order or deceased estate
- Joint ownership transfers
- Transfers between spouses or de facto partners
- Heavy vehicles
- Vehicles with optional number plates
- Transfers to or from a company or organisation
- Situations where the seller, buyer or vehicle details do not match Department records
If the transfer cannot be completed online, the seller can complete the MR9 form. The seller’s copy is blue and must be submitted to DTMI within 7 days. The purchaser receives the red copy together with the current vehicle licence paper and other applicable documentation.
For the latest requirements, check Transport WA’s Sell a vehicle and transfer a vehicle licence information before completing the transaction.
3. Do you need proof of identity?
Proof of identity should not automatically be described as a compulsory document for every seller to wrecker transaction.
However, identification can be required for particular Department of Transport processes and certain types of vehicle transfers.
For example, Transport WA specifies proof-of-identity requirements for some transfer circumstances.
For this reason, having suitable identification available is a sensible precaution when selling your vehicle, particularly if formal transfer paperwork needs to be completed.
4. What if you have lost the registration papers?
Losing your vehicle paperwork does not necessarily mean you cannot discuss selling the vehicle with a wrecker.
Start by providing accurate vehicle information, including the registration number, VIN, make, model and current registration status if known.
If a formal vehicle licence transfer is required, the correct process will depend on your circumstances.
It is also important to understand that a vehicle licence document does not necessarily prove legal ownership of the vehicle. Transport WA explains that the licence holder and the person with actual legal title can be different in some circumstances.
If there is a genuine dispute about ownership, it may become a civil matter rather than simply a vehicle licensing issue.
5. Selling an unregistered car to a wrecker
An unregistered vehicle is different from a currently licensed vehicle because the standard licensed-vehicle transfer process may not apply in the same way.
If your car has expired registration, has been sitting unused or cannot legally be driven on public roads, tell the wrecker when requesting a quote.
You can still arrange a cash for unregistered cars service, depending on the vehicle and its condition.
Do not drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads simply to take it to a wrecker. Arrange appropriate transportation or vehicle removal instead.
6. What if the car does not run?
A non-running vehicle can still be sold to a wrecker.
When requesting a quote, explain whether the vehicle:
- Starts and drives
- Starts but cannot be driven
- Has a flat battery
- Has engine or transmission problems
- Has accident damage
- Is missing wheels or major components
This information helps the wrecker understand the vehicle’s condition and how it will need to be collected.
If the vehicle cannot be driven, a car removal service can make the process easier because the vehicle can be collected from your location.
7. Do you need the original keys and service records?
Keys, logbooks, service history and owner’s manuals can be useful, but they should not automatically be treated as compulsory documents for every vehicle sale to a wrecker. If you have the original keys, service records or maintenance history, let the wrecker know.
These records can provide useful background information about the vehicle, particularly if it is relatively complete or has valuable components. If you no longer have the keys or service book, simply explain this when arranging the sale.
8. What if there is finance owing on the vehicle?
If there is outstanding finance on your vehicle, do not assume that selling it to a wrecker automatically clears the finance. Tell the wrecker about any finance or encumbrance associated with the vehicle before completing the sale.
You may need to contact your finance provider to determine the payout amount and the steps required to deal with the finance arrangement. Being transparent about finance from the beginning can help prevent delays or complications later.
9. What documents are useful for a written-off or damaged vehicle?
If the vehicle has been involved in an accident or declared a write-off, provide any relevant information you have.
Useful information can include:
- Insurance or assessment documents
- Registration details
- Accident information
- Keys
- Service records
- Details of missing or damaged components
The more accurate information you provide, the easier it can be for the wrecker to understand the vehicle’s condition before arranging collection.
Simple checklist before selling your car to a wrecker
Before arranging the sale, have the following information ready.
Vehicle details
- Make and model
- Year
- Registration number, if applicable
- VIN or chassis number
- Current registration status
- Approximate kilometres
- Vehicle condition
Ownership and paperwork
- Relevant vehicle licence or registration details
- Identification if required for the transaction
- Transfer paperwork where applicable
- Finance or encumbrance information, if applicable
- Available keys and service records
You do not necessarily need every item on this list. The exact paperwork depends on the vehicle and the circumstances of the sale.
What happens after you sell the vehicle?
Once the sale and applicable vehicle licence requirements have been dealt with, the vehicle can be collected and taken to the wrecker for assessment and dismantling.
For a WA-licensed vehicle, the seller has 7 days to notify DTMI of the sale or disposal. Eligible transfers can be completed through DoTDirect, while some transactions require the MR9 process.
It is important not to confuse the Department’s vehicle licence transfer process with proof of legal title. Transport WA states that a vehicle licence document does not necessarily establish ownership or legal title.
If you are unsure which process applies to your vehicle, check the current Transport WA requirements rather than relying on an old form or outdated advice.
Once the vehicle has been collected, usable components may be recovered and prepared for reuse as used auto parts, while recyclable materials can be processed appropriately.
Sell your unwanted car to Auto Wreckers Perth
You do not need to spend days preparing a complicated folder of paperwork before contacting a wrecker.
Start with your vehicle’s basic details, registration status, information showing that you are entitled to sell or dispose of the vehicle, and the vehicle’s condition. If you have additional documents such as service records, keys or registration paperwork, keep them available.
If you are ready to sell an unwanted vehicle, contact Auto Wreckers Perth to discuss the vehicle and arrange the next step.
Whether the car is old, damaged, unwanted, unregistered or no longer running, providing accurate information upfront can help make the selling and removal process smoother.